Ron took a deep breath and sat down across from Natasha, who shot Shannon a look of disgust.
"What's he doing here?" she demanded.
"I am here to apologize." Ron spoke up. Natasha pretended to look very bored. Ron continued. "I'm really sorry that I said all of those things to you today. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm-I'm-ummm-" Ron was having trouble getting the words to come out of his mouth.
"Yes?" Natasha prodded rudely.
"I'm jealous of Malfoy." He said and then went a brilliant shade of magenta. "I still like you Natasha. A lot. I thought if I made trouble for you and Malfoy, we would have a chance."
Natasha nodded. "You really hurt me you know."
"I know." agreed Ron. "Can you forgive me?" He gave her puppy dog eyes.
"I suppose" Natasha answered after a few minutes.
"Can we," Ron gulped, "be friends?"
"Yeah. Just cut the crap about me and Draco. Got it?" Natasha said severely.
Ron beamed and tried to look slightly intimidated at the same time.
"Anyways," Natasha said trying to get off subject. (touchy moments made her uncomfortable) "Shannon look at this." She pulled out her admirer letter. "I got it this morning. I thought it was from Draco, but he didn't write it."
Shannon read the secret admirer note and then glanced at Harry, who looked very apprehensive. Shannon laughed.
"I got one too! Harry didn't send it to me though, I don't know who did."
"That's peculiar. They're just notes though, who cares? Let's sit back and take the compliments!" said Natasha. Everyone smiled and laughed but Harry.
Shannon, Harry, and Ron walked back to the common room a very happy bunch. Shannon and Harry were relieved that they wouldn't have to listen to Ron's nasty remarks. At first they had been mildly amusing, but it got old fast. Ron was simply glad that Natasha had forgiven him. He wondered if he might still have a chance.
As soon as they reached the common room, Ron hurried to his room. He needed some time alone. Shannon and Harry were glad. They needed some alone time too.
"What's wrong?" Shannon asked Harry. He seemed a little worried.
"I've just been thinking about that note you got this morning." He replied.
"What about it? Natasha got one too."
"I don't know. Don't you find it a bit-well, odd? Natasha and you got one the exact same day. It's just weird, that's all." Harry explained.
"I guess if you put it that way…. But as long as they're just notes and nothing else, what harm can it do? I'll just take it for a self esteem booster." She laughed.
"Something just doesn't seem right…" he said, more to himself than Shannon.
"Don't worry so much! This guy can't steal me from you, and I promise not to go and meet this mystery man alone. Don't fret, it's alright." Shannon comforted Harry. He smiled and leaned over to kiss Shannon.
"I won't. Just promise me you'll be careful." Said Harry seriously.
"I promise."
This Chapter that I could not name cuz I couldn't come up with a cool name so here's the chapter!
The next day in Potions Natasha had arrived early, so she was waiting for Malfoy when Ron arrived.
"Hey!" he said brightly.
"Hi, where's Shannon and Harry?" Natasha asked.
"At the Great Hall still, eating. They woke up late. They spent the night in the common room, if you know what I mean!" he winked.
"No, what do you mean?" She asked smiling.
Ron shook his head, "Okay, so it was pretty much all talking. But you know, "
Natasha laughed. She knew her cousin too well to expect much else to have happened. Just then Draco came up behind Natasha and put his arms around her waist.
"Hey," she turned and kissed him quickly on the cheek.
"Is that all?" he asked, kissing her back, but she pushed him off, nodding toward Ron.
"Not right now," she whispered, glancing at Ron's flushed face. Natasha could see the resent in Draco's eyes but he backed off.
"Hey Tosha! Draco." Shannon greeted. Harry stood behind her, glaring at Draco. Shannon, as if she could see the look on Harry's face, turned and hit him on the shoulder.
"Hi Natasha, Mal-I mean Draco," Harry corrected when Shannon turned as if to hit him again.
All Natasha had to do was look at Draco to make him answer civilly.
"Hello Shannon, Harry," he seemed to gag on the word Harry, perhaps from saying it so little.
"Hi everyone." Ron said from the side, forgotten.
"Hi Ron" Shannon said sarcastically.
"Forgot you were there," Harry joked.
"Gee, I feel loved," Ron replied, laughing.
"You should!" Shannon smiled. "Well, we should be getting to our seats soon, or Snape might come and take points from us." She took Harry by the hand and led him to their seats, closely trailed by Ron. It was perfect timing for just as they sat down Snape burst into the room.
" Get in your seats!" he sneered at Natasha and Draco. They sat down quickly and class began.
After class Draco confronted Natasha about her pushing him off.
"What is up with that? Do you not like kissing me anymore?" he asked confusedly.
"That's not it at all!" Natasha retorted. "Ron was right there, and it makes me, and not to mention him, uncomfortable to kiss in front of him like that!"
"It never used to bother you." Malfoy said, hurt.
Natasha tilted her head to the side and looked up at him, with understanding eyes. "I still love you all the same, it's just that," she paused, thinking what to say, "I don't like to draw attention like that, especially when I was talking to someone. It's not like I'm never going to kiss you again in public, it just depends on the situation, okay? Please don't be mad," she said, prying apart his folded arms and wrapping them around her. . He smiled, half at his attempts to stay mad at Natasha, half at her.
"Alright, you win. Yet again." Draco joked as he kissed her gently.
Harry, Shannon, and Ron were all in the common room talking when Shannon excused herself for a moment. She wanted to change into her pajamas, be a little more comfortable as she and the boys laid about the common room. She tiptoed past the row of doors, over to her own and stepped inside. When she flipped on the light, it revealed what appeared to be another note. Shannon smiled cheerfully as she picked it up and read:
Shannon,
I con no longer live without you. You are the love of my life, you are my life. Please come and find me soon, I can't wait much longer!
Love you always,
Your Secret Admirer
Shannon didn't smile after she read the letter. This one creeped her out. The guy, or whoever wrote these notes sounded like he was becoming obsessed. She changed quickly and took the note out to Harry and Ron.
"What took you?" Ron asked before Shannon handed them the parchment. Harry tensed up immediately.
"This is getting creepy," Ron retorted. Harry was wringing his hands.
"Do you think we should tell Professor McGonagall?" Shannon asked, trying to comfort Harry, who shook his head meekly.
"This is too weird." He replied. "Let's wait a bit. Maybe they'll stop."
"Okay," she agreed.
Something startled Natasha as she woke up. There had been a swishing noise, like wind or running water. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and got up to see what it could be.
On the floor right beside the door there was another piece of parchment with her name on it:
For Natasha, my only love
Natasha smiled as she opened the note and read:
Natasha,
I can no longer stay part from you. If you don't find me soon, I will have no choice but to come and find you myself. Come, come and find me my love.
I love you,
Your Secret Admirer
She gasped as she finished reading the last of the note and sat down on the bed, hand over her mouth. This is serious! She thought. I have to go and tell Draco.
Natasha ran quietly to Malfoy's dormitory, glancing about nervously, as though she thought this anonymous person would sneak up on her at any moment.
When she reached Draco's bedroom door she flew over to his bedside and flung herself on him.
"Look!" she said. "Look at this!"
Malfoy sat up and rubbed his eyes groggily. "What?" he questioned. Natasha thrust the paper toward him.
"This guy is crazy!" Draco retorted after he was done. "Who does he think he is, going after my girl like that?"
"I don't know. I am really creeped out though. What time is it?" Natasha replied.
Malfoy glanced at his clock. "1:30."
Natasha sighed. "I am so scared. I don't want to go back to my room alone. Can you come with me please?"
He shook his head. "You can stay with me. Would that be okay?"
"Okay." Natasha said as she climbed in bed with him. She laid her head on his pillow and just closed her eyes when she found herself being cradled in Draco's arms.
The two lie there for a while, trying to drift off to sleep, trying to ignore the strong tension that was forming between them. Malfoy broke the awkward silence.
"Natasha?" he whispered.
"Mmm hmm?" Natasha whispered back.
"I really do love you, you know." He said, hugging her a bit more tightly to him.
"I love you too." She turned around and looked into his eyes. He kissed her and then explained.
"That day, when you ran up to me in Snape's class, you said you loved me and I had never really said it to you before. You thought it was me that wrote the note, even though I didn't. But I do love you. I love you more than life itself."
Natasha smiled and pulled herself closer to him, resting her head on his bare chest. They laid in that position for a while and then Natasha fell sound asleep. She awoke around seven the next morning to find Draco gone.
"Where is he?" she said aloud. She wanted to go and find him, but she also didn't want to get caught coming out of his bedroom. So she stayed in his bed, trying to fall back asleep, as it was Saturday, one of her only days to sleep in late.
She wasn't sure how long she'd been dozing when she woke to find Draco entering the room carrying a tray of food, garnished with a small blue vase holding a single white rose.
"Good morning," he smiled, setting the tray down over her lap.
"Draco, what's all this?" she asked.
"It's breakfast. I thought I'd save you the trouble of walking all the way down to the Great Hall."
"You shouldn't have," she replied, shaking her head slightly. As she began to eat she noticed that Draco seemed to be lost in thought. "Something on your mind?"
"Well, I've put a lot of thought into this whole secret admirer thing. I don't want you to worry anymore. I'll take care of you," he explained. Natasha seemed at a loss of words. She leaned over the tray to give Draco a hug and nearly knocked the vase over. "Let's try that again," he said as he moved the vase to the nightstand near his bed. He then propped himself up next to Natasha on the bed and hugged her tightly. She rested her head on his shoulder for a moment and then resumed eating.
Shannon and Harry spent their morning curled up together on a love seat near the fireplace of the Gryffindor common room. Shannon was getting increasingly worried about the letters. Harry did his best to comfort her, but she could tell he was just as worried.
"What do you think we should do?" Shannon asked him, turning to look him in the eye.
"I'm not sure really," he said, shrugging. "Maybe we should just wait it out. It could stop soon."
"I hope you're right." She replied as she moved closer to him. He tightened his arms protectively.
At that moment Professor McGonagall burst in the room and announced that today would be the first Hogsmeade visit. Shannon buzzed excitedly.
"Wow! Is it fun there Harry?" she asked enthusiastically.
"Yeah it's loads of fun. There's a joke shop and a sweetshop-that's Ron's favorite part of course." He joked. Harry and Shannon sat in their seat for a long while, talking about what they would do at their first trip to Hogsmeade together. Shannon stood up excitedly.
"I'd better go get ready. I'll be right back!" as she ran up to her room Harry smiled, glad to see that she was back to her old self. Shannon went up to her room, changed, grabbed a small backpack and her wallet and headed back down to Harry.
"What's up?" she asked, noticing how Harry was smiling at her.
"I'm just glad you're feeling better." He replied and hugged her quickly. "Well, let's get going, we don't want to be the last ones there."
"Oh, I have an idea! Let's meet up with Natasha and Draco." Harry's face fell at her suggestion.
"Oh, I-um, I just thought it would be nice, you know, being just the two of us…" he trailed off.
"Ok, well, maybe we can have lunch with them or something," she shrugged and kissed him on the cheek. "It's no big deal."
"That's why I love you," he laughed and kissed her again. "What's wrong?" Shannon had suddenly gotten very quiet.
"Nothing," she shook her head. This was the first time he'd ever said he'd loved her. "It's just-I love you too," she took his hand and they were on their way.
Natasha and Draco were in his room making out when Crabbe ran (okay, well waddled) in the room and told them to get dressed and ready to go to Hogsmeade.
"But how am I going to get out with no one seeing me?" Natasha asked herself more than Draco. He thought for a moment and then said, "Be right back." He walked out of the room, Crabbe slowly following.
Natasha sat there for only a few minutes when Malfoy pondered back in, Crabbe-less.
"You can go down now. I told Snape that my father wanted him to send owl of how I am doing in school so he'll be there for a while." Malfoy wrapped him arms around her and started kissing her passionately.
"I'm sorry, but I should probably go down as soon as possible." Natasha said, getting up and walking to the door. "See you in a bit."
After Natasha had closed the door behind her, Draco let out a repressed sigh. She can be so, difficult at times. He told himself. It's not you.
Natasha was running up to her dorm when she saw Emily and Ana standing in front of her door.
"Where the mo-fo have you been?" Emily demanded.
"I was umm… I…" Natasha trailed off.
"You were in his room weren't you? I can't believe you! I thought you had more decency. Kissing in between classes is one thing but in his room? I can't believe you." Emily went off. Ana nodded her head in agreement.
"You have it all wrong!" Natasha protested but her friends shook their heads and walked away, obviously disgusted. Natasha sighed to herself and she walked in her room, gathered her clothes for the day, her shampoo, brush, makeup and hair things. Shutting the door behind her she walked to the bathroom, already missing her friends.
I didn't do anything bad! Natasha told herself as she showered. So why do I feel guilty? She listened as though she expected an answer, but she did not get one.
After Natasha had gotten all ready she walked out into the common room to find Draco talking to Emily and Ana, a large grimace in his face. She stopped suddenly in her tracks and ran to her dorm. When she slammed the door behind her, tears flowed down her cheeks. They were telling everyone. Ana and Emily were spreading the fact that Natasha stayed the night in Draco's room around.
Knock knock. Someone was rapping at her door. Natasha didn't answer. She heard the door open and then Malfoy walked over and hugged her. Natasha cried freely on his shoulder.
"It's okay baby. We know nothing happened and that's all that matters. Who cares what they think." He wiped the tears from her cheek and smiled encouragingly at her. Natasha couldn't help but smile and hug him tighter.
"I'll take care of you. Don't worry. It'll be okay."
Harry and Shannon were getting very impatient waiting in the corridors for the Slytherins, who always seemed to be late.
"I wish they would hurry up!" Shannon urged. It felt like they had been waiting there for over and hour. Harry nodded.
"If they don't get here soon, I'll go get them myself." No sooner were his words said than a crowd of unusually cheery faced Slytherins walked down the marble staircase. Shannon spotted Natasha standing next to Draco, but her face was all tear-stained.
"I wonder what's wrong? Something serious." Shannon said aloud, judging by the way Malfoy seemed to be carrying her down the stairs, a look of concern on his face. Shannon ran over.
"Natasha what's wrong? Is there anything I can do to help?" she comforted.
Natasha shook her head. "I'll tell you in a minute."
Just then every person in the corridor started outside. Shannon and Natasha walked ahead of Harry and Draco. Each boy had a look of pure disgust on his face. Harry tried to be civil.
"Is Natasha really okay?" he asked.
Malfoy nodded. "Yeah, I'm taking good care of her. She told me that Shannon had gotten a secret admirer note too." He said, pulling Natasha's letter out of his pocket.
Harry nodded and pulled Shannon's letter out of his pocket as well. "She had gotten a first one, but this one is really weird." The boys traded letters and read each silently.
"Shannon's is really creepy, but Natasha's is threatening. Are you done reading it?" Malfoy was chatting as though Harry were an old friend. It was abnormal.
"Yes, this one is really more uncanny than Shannon's. It sounds as though this person is going to strike any moment. No wonder she was crying."
Malfoy started to explain exactly why she was crying but stopped. He and Harry weren't old friends. They were hardly acquaintances.
"I think we need to take action to protect our girls." Harry started talking again. "We need to protect them, make sure they're safe." A plan was formulating in his mind. "We should walk them to and from each class. Most of our classes are the same anyways."
Malfoy shook his head in agreement. "I agree. Who knows who this anonymous person could be? He could be hiding around a corner, waiting for Shannon or Natasha. We need to be there to defend them."
"Uh-huh. Let's tell them about it at lunch. They should be done chattering by then." Harry rolled his eyes and pointed toward Shannon and Natasha who were talking as though they had just met each other after being apart for ten years. Malfoy laughed and kept walking.
Natasha was telling Shannon everything that had happened between her and Malfoy.
"He is so sweet to you!" Shannon squealed. "I can't believe that Ana and Emily are doing that! They weren't even there. How rude can you get?"
"I know. I was crying in my room and Draco came in and hugged me and told me it didn't matter what they thought. We know what happened and that's al that matters."
Shannon smiled dreamily in front of her. "And all this time I thought he was a repulsive little snake that was just going out with you for the kissing lot of it. But he's really so sweet."
"Well duh!" Natasha said sarcastically. "That's why I love him!" she laughed.
"I forgot to tell you! Harry told me that he loved me today. It was the first time ever. I was so happy because I love him too."
"Speaking of Harry, look behind us!" Natasha whispered excitedly.
Shannon glanced back to find her boyfriend and Natasha's in a deep conversation. They were even laughing every now and then.
"Who knew?" Natasha said to no one in particular.
When the students reached Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall had everyone stand in front of her and be quiet.
"Now, when I release you," she started, "You may go explore the town but we need to meet back here at 6:30. It is noon now so go and enjoy yourselves and please be on time!"
Shannon and Natasha had rejoined Harry and Draco and they were first going to stop at Three Broomsticks for lunch.
"Wait until you try the butterbeer. Warms every inch of you like that." Draco said, snapping his fingers.
When the four students walked into the restaurant/bar, a lady named Madame Rosmerta greeted them.
"Hullo, just you four?" she asked politely.
"Yes." Shannon responded.
"Okay, right this way." Madame Rosmerta said, leading them to a great big booth. When the pairs sat down she whipped out her wand and pointed it at the table. Four menus appeared with a snap.
"What can I get ya to drink?" asked Madame.
"Four butterbeers please." Harry said importantly. Madame Rosmerta pointed her wand at the table for the second time and four clear glass mugs appeared in front of each of them, filled with a pale yellow liquid that fizzed just slightly.
"Alright now, what'll ya have to eat?" she asked.
Natasha answered first. "I'll have sirloin tips and a baked potato to side."
"I want the broccoli chicken casserole please." Shannon went next.
"I'll take a chicken dumpling." Harry said.
"Could I have your potato soup please? Extra cheese if you could." Draco asked.
With another snap each person had exactly what they wanted sitting in front of them.
"Thank you." They chorused.
After Shannon, Natasha, Malfoy, and Harry had all eaten their fill; they walked out of the bar, blinded by daylight.
"Where should we go now?" Malfoy asked, putting his arms around Natasha from behind.
Shannon shrugged. "Where to Harry?"
"Well, I was thinking we could go to Zonko's, or Honeyduke's…" Harry said.
"Let's go to Honeyduke's for dessert!" Malfoy said, smacking his lips.
When the four arrived at Honeyduke's sweetshop, their eyes widened at the sights around them. (Even though Harry and Draco had already been there)
There were shelves upon shelves packed full of all sorts of candy, Pepper Imps, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, sherbet balls that levitated you while you sucked on them, Chocolate Frogs, Tens of thousands of bars of chocolate in many different flavors from caramel-raspberry to cheddar cheese. There was a mousy little second year that was hunched over a barrel of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, trying with all his might to avoid the 'diaper' flavored morsels.
"What do you want?" Malfoy asked Natasha. It took her a few minutes to answer; there were so many choices.
"I want a coconut chocolate bar." She said when she had made up her mind. Natasha glanced over to see Shannon and Harry sucking on the sherbet balls, each a few inches in the air.
After they all stocked up on sweets to eat until the next visit they made their way to Zonko's, and then just wandered from store to store, talking to their fellow classmates more than they did any shopping. Malfoy and Natasha finally separated from Shannon and Harry (who had met up with Ron, Hermione, and Jenny) and were on their way to Three Broomsticks again, this time for dinner. Draco stopped Natasha just outside the door.
"I really had fun today." He said to her, holding her close. "I love you so much." Then he kissed her, his arms around her waist; hers around his neck.
"Ahem." Someone cleared their throat behind the kissing couple. Natasha turned to see a tall slender man, his long, thin, just below the shoulder length hair the whitest shade of blonde she had ever seen.
"Father?" Draco stammered. The man raised one eyebrow.
"What is going on here?" Draco's father asked, eyeing Natasha. Draco gulped.
"This is my girlfriend Natasha. She just transferred to Hogwarts this year." Natasha could tell her boyfriend was nervous. The man raised his other eyebrow, his eyes widening. He looked as though he were going to go off on Draco right then and there. But when he opened his mouth to speak…..
"Well son, I'm glad that you at least have some taste. This has to be the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts. So pleased to meet you Natasha. My name, is Lucious Malfoy." Lucious held out his hand. Natasha received his hand and shook it politely.
"Father, what are you doing here anyways?" Draco asked, obviously much more comfortable.
"I was on my way to Corus & Marley's Printing press. I need a few extra copies of the Tuesday paper. What were you two up to?" Lucious answered.
"We were just going to have a spot of dinner before heading back to the school." Natasha answered this time.
Lucious smiled. "Ahh, well then I had better let you two go and Draco," he dug into his pocket and handed his son a few Galleons, "Buy her something nice." He gestured toward Natasha. Draco nodded.
"Goodbye Mr. Malfoy! Nice to meet you!" Natasha waved Lucious off. She and Draco stepped into the bar and were once again greeted by Madame Rosmerta.
"Back again?" she smiled, then led them to a two-person booth off in a quiet corner.
"To drink?" Rosmerta asked them.
"Butterbeer, please." Natasha answered while Malfoy nodded in conformity.
When Natasha and Draco had eaten most of their food they sat for a while, talking.
"So your father is in the Ministry?" Natasha asked.
"Yes. He is also head governor of Hogwarts. What does your father do?"
"My dad is manager at a packaging corporation." Malfoy's jaw dropped.
"Your dad's a muggle?" he asked.
"Yeah…." Natasha answered, confused. "Why?"
"I just….thought that you…..were a pureblood………" Malfoy trailed.
"Well I'm not, but my aunt, Shannon's mom, is a witch. I guess I'm not a mudblood, since my aunt has magical blood." Malfoy looked at the few green beans left on his plate.
"I'm not judging you or anything, it's just, usually only purebloods are put into Slytherin."
Natasha bit her lip. She hadn't told anyone what the Sorting Hat had whispered in her ear. She decided to tell Malfoy. "Well, this might take a while…" she said, not wanting to go into detail (especially for the author WHO IS RUNNING OUT OF IDEAS! hehe)
"Go on. It's only 5:30, we have time." Malfoy compelled.
"Alright." Natasha took a deep breath. "Hermione had told me about you before I arrived at school. You sounded perfect. I was developing a crush on you, even though I had never seen you." She stopped to giggle at Malfoy's flushed face. "Then I saw you on the train and I wanted you. You had to be mine, I just knew that. When McGonagall put the hat on my head it whispered on my ear, 'I know where you belong, but I also know where you desire to be. If I put you there, be sure to act wisely.' "
"You know, when I first saw you, it was at the top of the staircase, when we were first walking in at the beginning of the year. I wanted you too. You're so beautiful, so perfect. I love you." Malfoy whispered, smiling.
Natasha grinned broadly. "I love you too."
After the pupils arrived back at the castle Natasha and Shannon said goodbye, and made plans to meet again the next day. Harry and Draco nodded a polite 'See you."
When Shannon and Harry had climbed through the portrait hole after telling the fat lady the password (Fizzing Whizzbees) Shannon excused herself immediately up to her room without saying goodnight.
Harry sat in front of the fireplace with Fred, George, and Ron, eating chocolate frogs by the dozen, then washing those down with bottles of butterbeer the twins had nicked from the kitchen. After a little while Harry decided to go say goodnight to Shannon.
When Harry reached her bedroom door he found that she was rearranging the furniture in it. But then, he realized, she wasn't using her wand.
"Shannon!" Harry gasped in surprise.
The chair Shannon was moving fell with a crash to the floor. "Oh-Harry….I didn't realize you were up here.." her face went slightly pink.
"Where is your wand?" Harry inquired.
"Oh…well its over there.." Shannon stuttered, pointing to her nightstand that had her wand perched on it.
"How are you doing that then?" Harry gestured to her bedroom.
"I'm-I'm an….Oracle." Shannon said then turned from pink to red.
"A Ora-what?"
Shannon giggled nervously. "An Oracle. It's a person that can read minds and doesn't have to use a wand." Shannon said, answering Harry's question that he hadn't stated.
"So, why do you have a wand if you don't need one?" Harry asked tentatively.
"Because Oracles are mistrusted, like werewolves. We're different so we're 'dangerous.' " Shannon said sarcastically. "The wand is simply a cover."
"And you can read minds?" Harry asked again, with disbelief that was not visible.
"Yes I can. At will. Do you mind?" Shannon asked Harry with a smile. Harry shook his head. "You don't believe me. You think that I am lying to you, as a joke."
Harry's jaw dropped. That was exactly what he had been thinking.
"I believe you now." He said quietly to his feet.
"Harry, please don't tell anyone. Please." Shannon asked sincerely.
"I promise." Harry placed a hand over his heart.
Natasha and Malfoy were in the Slytherin common room playing Wizard's Chess when Crabbe and Goyle walked in, worried looks on their faces.
"My father…he said it was burning again…" Crabbe gestured to his arm. Goyle nodded. "Have you heard from your father yet? Is he leaving?" the two boys inquired. Malfoy shook his head nervously and gave them a not-right-now look.
After Crabbe had climbed out of the portrait hole behind Goyle Natasha looked questioningly at Draco. "What's going on?" she demanded.
He smiled weakly. "Nothing…"
"Yes there is. Crabbe and Goyle may be a bit-erm…thick, but that was serious. Tell me right now, what's going on?" Natasha ordered Draco to tell her.
"I can't. At least not here." Draco looked around at the full common room.
Natasha jumped up and grabbed Malfoy's hand, then pulled him up to his own dormitory, locking the door tightly behind her. "Now. Tell me."
Draco fiddled his thumbs nervously. "Well…my father-and Crabbe and Goyle's fathers are…deatheaters." His face turned red with embarrassment.
"W-what?" Natasha was confused. "Your father-in You-Know-Who's inner circle? He seemed so nice…How can that be?"
"Yes. I know. It's terrible. I hate it; my father thinks I want to take after him. I don't though; Deatheaters are horrible people, cold and evil." Draco's voice cracked. Natasha went over and put her arm around him.
"That must be so scary! Thinking that You-Know-Who could bust into your house any moment and murder your whole family. I'm so sorry." Natasha sympathized. Then she saw a single tear fall down Malfoy's cheek; he quickly wiped it away.
"Thank you for being here for me. I love you." He told Natasha.
"I don't mind-I mean I sort of owe it to you. You taking care of me throughout this whole secret admirer charade. But I'd do it anyways because I love you too."
Just then Goyle walked in and told Malfoy to go see Snape because he wanted to talk to him.
"Meet me later. By that statue of the witch with one eye, okay? Eleven O'clock?" Natasha whispered to her boyfriend. Malfoy nodded and gave her a (rather long) kiss goodbye.
At eleven sharp Natasha was walking toward the witch statue. A tall dark figure moved slightly. Natasha smiled to herself as she ran over and locked her lips on Malfoy's, who wrapped his arms around her. She felt his tongue caress hers and his hands moved lower, around Natasha's waist. Just then Malfoy pushed her away.
"So do you like me now?" said a voice that was not Natasha's boyfriends. She pulled away.